The town of Ranger had a front-row seat to the massive Eastland Complex wildfire over the weekend but as fire crews stood ready to fight the wildfires, an unrelated fire inside the city limits destroyed a church and other structures.
According to Ranger Police, investigators determined the March 17 fire was started on the 400 block of South Marston and spread from there.
Investigators identified a suspect and on March 19 they arrested Robert James and charged him with five counts of felony arson.
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Under the shadow of the scorched Second Baptist Church, something beautiful has bloomed.
“This building is gone," said Wade Berry, Pastor of Second Baptist Church. "That’s something worth grieving. But it’s also a day to celebrate."
Seeds of faith fill an empty lot, proving the town of Ranger is standing strong.
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Song leader Wendy Rodgers came up with the idea of holding a Lawn Chair Sunday.
“You may have lost all of your things, but you haven’t lost everything because you still got the people that love you,” said Wendy Rodgers.
On an average Sunday, eight to 12 church members are worshiping here. On Sunday the number more than doubled, with people from other towns bringing their own lawn chairs.
As the crowd grew, so did the number of seats.
It’s been a baptism by fire for Wade Berry, who took over as pastor nine months ago.
“Even just days later, is this fire real?" said Berry. "Is this is actually happening?".
Community members helped transform a grassy lot into a place of worship.
“I was talking to a friend who was there, and he said, 'I can come mow it,'” said Rodgers.
Many people offered support to a community even a wildfire could not destroy.
“We don’t need a building," said Rodgers. "We’re still at church. The church still stands. We’re still here."
By the time Sunday service was over, more than 100 people packed into Lawn Chair Sunday.
Though there are no immediate plans, the pastor hopes the church can someday rebuild.
Editor's Note: The original report stated this was part of the Eastland Complex wildfire, which was incorrect.
